Son urges leniency for father who chopped him

A case of family violence took a touching turn yesterday when a son pleaded for leniency for his father, who chopped his forehead in a fit of rage.

Chan Ngok-kui, 18, made the entreaty in the District Court just before his father, construction worker Chan Sui, 57, was sentenced for one count of wounding with intent.

'If he is to be put in jail, I hope the sentence can be short so he can come out earlier to join his family,' Ngok-kui told Judge Garry Tallentire.

The teenager also said he was willing to take responsibility for the part he played in the incident that led to his father being charged.

Tallentire jailed Chan for eight months, noting it was 'an unusual and sad case' and one which had revealed 'a sad state of affairs'.

On the day of the incident, Chan was sleeping when Ngok-kui started fighting with his younger brother, 10, over the volume on their TV. Chan emerged and hit his elder son. He then grabbed a chopper from the kitchen. Ngok-kui tried to protect himself with an iron rod, but his father chopped him on the forehead. The younger son called the police, who arrived to find Chan still clutching the chopper.

The attack left Ngok-kui with a cut forehead and cheek but no permanent damage.

The court also heard that Chan was fed up with the teenager for constantly playing computer games and refusing to find a job.

Yesterday, Chan's lawyer, Tong Yee-chun, said the son now had a job as a part-time transport worker.

The father's other children and some relatives also attended the hearing to show their support.

'This incident was actually a blessing in disguise because now all the members of the family are more reconciled and have become more attached,' Tong said.